The Automotive Recyclers Association Applauds Recent State Efforts to Prevent Untrained and Unlicensed Individuals From Purchasing Cars at Salvage Pools and Urges Ohio to Follow Suit

The Automotive Recyclers Association Applauds Recent State Efforts to Prevent Untrained and Unlicensed Individuals From Purchasing Cars at Salvage Pools and Urges Ohio to Follow Suit

Manassas, VA. - The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) recognizes the efforts of legislators in Florida and Utah who have made significant steps to protect consumers and the environment by preventing untrained and unlicensed individuals from buying cars at salvage pools and urges Ohio legislators to do the same.

ARA is the leading international trade association of professional automotive recyclers. ARA represents 4,500 automotive recycling facilities in the United States and fourteen other countries around the world. We proudly represent an industry dedicated to the environmentally efficient removal and reuse of automotive parts and the recycling of inoperable motor vehicles.

Last week, legislators in Utah passed SB 260, a bill that restricts purchases at auto salvage auctions to those with valid Utah business and sales tax licenses. That legislation also aids law enforcement by requiring reporting to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System and the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division. Additionally, the bill creates a non-repairable category of vehicles that will serve to keep severely damaged automobiles from being repaired and returned to the roads.

Keeping non-road worthy vehicles off the roads was at the heart of another salvage pool bill that passed recently in Florida. ARA is pleased to see that lawmakers all across America are paying increased attention to the dangers that arise by opening up auto salvage pools, and that they are taking steps to roll back efforts to make it easier for these vehicles to fall into the wrong hands.

Tomorrow, legislators in Ohio will hear testimony on Senate Bill 273 that allows unlicensed and untrained individuals to purchase cars at salvage auctions. This bill threatens Ohio’s environment as unqualified businesses attempt to handle, dismantle and dispose of environmentally-harmful products and hazardous materials such as mercury, oil, and gasoline. Senate Bill 273 threatens the safety and welfare of Ohio residents and other consumers by allowing damaged vehicles to be repaired cosmetically and sold to unknowing consumers who end up driving dangerous vehicles on Ohio roads.

Moreover, the bill creates a competitive disadvantage for licensed recyclers in Ohio who go to great length and expense to stay in accordance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations. It will reduce the available inventory for licensed auto recyclers across the state as these vehicles are sold to unlicensed individuals at inflated prices in Ohio and around the country.